MCCOOK, Neb. -- The Bureau of Reclamation has announced the availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for Box Butte Dam Safety of Dams Corrective Action. Reclamation prepared the Final EA to evaluate the environmental consequences of undertaking corrective actions at Box Butte Dam, located in Dawes County, in order to reduce the risk of dam failure to satisfactory levels.
Reclamation requested public review and comment on the Draft EA between January 15 and Feb. 12, 2016. In response to comments, Reclamation provided clarifications and expanded discussion in sections 3.3.2 (Soils), 3.5.2 (Water Resources), 3.7.2 (Land Use and Vegetation), 3.9.2 (Fisheries), 3.10.2 (Recreation), and 3.11.2 (Economic and Social Factors) in the Final EA. Also, Reclamation identified Alternative 1 (Toe Drain Replacement) as the Preferred Alternative and provided additional details on required construction dewatering and reservoir drawdowns.
Based upon the analysis of environmental impacts, as described in the Final EA, Reclamation has also released a Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision Notice for the Dam Safety Corrective Actions at Box Butte Dam. Reclamation has selected the Preferred Alternative (Toe Drain Replacement) for implementation. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2017.
To view the Final EA and FONSI, along with project updates and schedule information, please visit Reclamation's website at www.usbr.gov/gp/nkao/nepa/box_butte.html. Hard copies of the Final EA are available upon request at the contact information below.
Bureau of Reclamation
Attn: Lucas Milheiser
1706 W. 3rd Street
McCook, NE 69001
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
